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DRDO's Pinaka Rocket Hits 120km Target, Boosting Army's Strike Power

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the 120 km-range Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The rocket demonstrated textbook precision, impacting the target after performing all planned in-flight manoeuvres, and was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, showcasing system versatility. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the development as a game-changer that will significantly boost the Armed Forces' capabilities. With the Army fully backing the system and growing international interest from countries like Armenia and France, the Pinaka continues to be a major indigenous success story in both defence and export sectors.

Key Points: DRDO Tests 120km Pinaka Rocket, A Game-Changer for Indian Army

  • 120km strike range achieved
  • Precision in-flight manoeuvres
  • Launch versatility from existing systems
  • Strong export and Army backing
2 min read

DRDO successfully conducts maiden flight test of 120 Km strike range Pinaka rockets

DRDO successfully tests 120km Pinaka guided rocket, enhancing precision strike capabilities and export potential for India's defence sector.

"The successful design and development of long-range guided rockets will boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces, terming it a game-changer. - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh"

New Delhi, December 29

The maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket was conducted successfully at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha's Chandipur on Monday.

Interestingly, the maiden trial of the 120 km-range rockets was conducted on the same day the project was cleared for the Indian Army by the Defence Acquisition Council meeting held in the afternoon today.

The rocket was tested for its maximum range of 120 kms, demonstrating all in-flight manoeuvres as planned. The LRGR impacted the target with textbook precision.

All the deployed range instruments tracked the flight throughout its trajectory. This rocket is designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment in association with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, with support from the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Research Centre Imarat.

The flight trial was coordinated by ITR and Proof & Experimental Establishment. The LRGR was launched from the in-service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating its versatility and providing launch capability of Pinaka variants of different ranges from the same launcher.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO on the achievement. He stated that the successful design and development of long-range guided rockets will boost the capabilities of the Armed Forces, terming it a game-changer.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, witnessed the trial and congratulated all the teams for accomplishing the mission objectives.

The Pinaka Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) is a long-range artillery weapon developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Known for its rapid response and precision, the Pinaka system enhances the Indian Army's capability in modern warfare.

One of the biggest success stories among Indigenous weapon systems, the Army is fully backing the missiles, as Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi has already made clear that, as soon as longer-range versions of the Pinaka are ready, the force might drop plans for other alternate weapons.

The Pinaka has been a major success story in the export sector as it has been bought by Armenia, while many European countries, including France, are showing interest in it.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great achievement, no doubt. But I hope the focus on indigenous weapons also translates to better resource allocation for our soldiers' welfare and modern equipment at the ground level. Both are crucial for national security.
V
Vikram M
The fact that it uses the same in-service launcher is a masterstroke. Saves huge costs on logistics and training. And with European interest, we are finally becoming a defence exporter! A proud day for Indian science and engineering.
R
Rohit P
Textbook precision! That's the phrase we love to hear. After the success of Pinaka with Armenia, this longer-range variant will be a game-changer. Sends a strong message across the border about our indigenous strike capability.
S
Sarah B
As someone following defence tech, the coordination between ARDE, HEMRL, DRDL, and RCI is impressive. This shows what our research labs can achieve with a clear mission. Hope the production and induction are equally swift.
N
Nikhil C
When the Army Chief says they might drop plans for other weapons once longer-range Pinaka is ready, it shows the confidence in this system. This reduces foreign dependency and is great for our strategic autonomy. More power to DRDO scientists!

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